Broadcasters’ body threatens to black out AAP

AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal with party candidates at a rally in Bangalore on Sunday. (PTI)

News Broadcasters Association on Sunday expressed shock over AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal’s “unsubstantiated” charges against the electronic media and warned that if he and his associates do not exercise caution the members of the body will be forced to reconsider coverage of the activities of the party.

A statement here said, NBA is shocked to note the “unverified and objectionable statements” being made by Kejriwal and his supporters regarding the electronic media and accusing it of being “paid” by political parties to drive their agenda during the Lok Sabha elections.

NBA reminded Kejriwal and his associates that the electronic media is independent and discharging its responsibilities in a fair, transparent and balanced manner and asked the AAP not to hurl “unsubstantiated and unverified charges” on the electronic media.

The release, undersigned by secretary general Annie Joseph, said NBA requests the convenor of AAP to “immediately refrain” from making such preposterous allegations failing which NBA members would be forced to reconsider coverage of the activities of the AAP.

The NBA is a private body representing the private television news and current affairs broadcasters.